Adjustable length link unit for use in antiskid chains



March 8, 1955 J. 5. DONALDSON 2,703,476

ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS Filed Dec. 9,1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 JNVENTOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON March 8, 1955 J. 5. DONALDSON ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINKUNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS Filed Dec. 9, 1950 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII INVEN TOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON Adz-[Ag ATToRNEY March 8, 1955 J. s. DONALDSONADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINK UNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4Filed Dec. 9, 1950 INVENTOR.

JOHN S. DONALDSON ATTORNEY United States Patent ADJUSTABLE LENGTH LINKUNIT FOR USE IN ANTISKID CHAINS John S. Donaldson, Chatham, N. J.

Application December 9, 1950, Serial No. 199,967

3 Claims. (CI. 59-93) This invention relates generally to wheel tractiondevices. The invention relates, in one of its more specific aspects, toanti-skid harnesses adapted to be used with pneumatic automobile tires.The invention also pertains to means whereby such harnesses, or chainsin general, may be readily adjusted to vary the effective lengththereof, and to means for taking up slack occurring therein at the timethey are placed in service.

An anti-skid harness constructed in accordance with this inventionpreferably comprises a pair of flexible road-engaging members that aresubstantially equal in length and are arranged in side-by-side relation.Each road-engaging member is connected at one end to a means for easilyand quickly varying the effective length of the harness. This meansconstitutes an important feature of the invention for the reason that itpermits the harness to be employed with tires of differentcrosssectional area. Further, this means allows for adjustment of theharness to compensate for tire Wear.

The means for adjusting the effective length of the harness comprisestwo parts or links, namely, a first link and a second link. The firstlink is preferably generally triangular in configuration and comprises abase and a pair of sides. The base has a pair of openings that arespaced a short distance apart. One end of each roadengaging memberextends through a corresponding opening in the base. The first link alsohas an elongated slot that extends upwardly relative to the base and ispositioned intermediate the sides. Alternate portions of the slot are ofenlarged and reduced width. The second link is generally oval shaped andextends through the slot in the first link. This link comprises frontand top parts that are preferably circular in transverse crosssection; arear part opposite the front part; and a bottom part opposite the toppart. The diameter of the front part is less than the width of anyrestricted portion of the slot whereby this part may be freely moved inthe slot. The bottom part is of such size and configuration, however, asto permit the same to register with any selected enlarged portion of theslot but prevent registration thereof with any restricted portion of theslot. The rear part of the second link, at least at its juncture withthe top part, is wider than all portions of the slot. The aforementionedparts are so arranged with respect to each other that the rear part isnot movable into the slot.

As will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detaileddescription that follows, the first and second links may be positionedrelative to each other so as to vary the effective length of the harnessto the extent allowed by the slot. This renders the harness adaptablefor use with tires of different cross-sectional size. Further, myconstruction permits ready shortening of the harness to compensate fortread wear in the tire.

Connected to the other end of each road-engaging member is a slacktake-up means which constitutes another important feature of theinvention. This means comprises three inter-connected parts, namely, athird link, a fourth link and a connector. The third link, as in thecase of the first link, is also preferably generally triangular andincludes a base and a pair of sides. This link has a pair of openingsthrough which said other ends of corresponding road-engaging elementsextend, and includes a partition element that is common to bothopenings. The connector is pivotally connected to the third link and thefourth link about spaced points and is provided with a hook fordetachably engaging the partition. When the hook is in engagement withthe partition, the pivotal con- 'ice nection between the connector andthe fourth link is intermediate the hook and the pivotal connectionbetween the connector and the third link.

An important object of the invention is to provide antiskid harnesseshaving improved features of construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide an emergency anti-skidharness that is adapted to be readily adjusted in overall length and iscapable of being mounted on or removed from a wheel more quickly andeasily than conventional emergency anti-skid devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide an antiskid harness thatmay be readily adjusted to fit wheels of different size and tocompensate for tire wear.

Another object of the invention is to provide a harness of the characterindicated that may be readily adjusted in overall length and that may beeasily placed into or out of operative engagement with a wheel, such asan automobile wheel, without the use of tools or accessory items ofequipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide simplified and improvedmeans for adjusting the effective length of an anti-skid harness, achain or the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved slack adjustingmeans for an anti-skid harness, chain or the like. This means has fewerparts than present-day devices intended to be used for the same purposeand is adapted to be quickly placed into and out of service without theuse of tools.

A still further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of thecharacter indicated that is simple, sturdy and compact in construction,reasonable in manufacturing cost, and capable of performing its intendedfunctions in an efficient and trouble-free manner.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention comprises thedevices, combinations and arrangements of parts set forth in thefollowing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings of preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention fromwhich the .several features of the invention, together with theadvantages obtainable thereby, will be readily understood by personsskilled in the art.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote correspondingparts throughout several views:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a recommended form of emergencyanti-skid harness constructed in accordance with the invention, withparts that are duplicates of certain illustrated parts, omitted;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the harness shown in Figure 1,as seen from the right thereof;

Figure 3 is a view in enlargement taken along line 3-3 of Figure l,certain parts being omitted and other parts being shown in anotherrelative position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a connector that is an elementof the harness shown in Figures 1-3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front view of an automobile wheel having theemergency anti-skid harness of Figures 1 and 2 operatively connectedthereto;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the wheel and harness arrangement shown inFigure 5;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 7, and shows the parts of theslack adjusting means in another relative position;

Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of a modified form of means foradjusting the effective length of an antiskid harness, chain or thelike;

Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the means shown in Figure 9, asseen from the right thereof;

Figure 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of Figure Figure 12 is a rearelevation view of certain parts of a modified form of slack adjustingmeans for the anti-skid harness; and

Figure 13 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 12, as seenfrom the right thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly, to Figures 1 and2, the anti-skid harness illustrated therein comprises a pair ofroad-engaging members 15 that are substantially equal in length and arearranged in side-by-side relation. Each road-engaging member 15 consistsof a chain 16 made up of a series of conventional traction links 17 anda pair of end hook links 18. While the road-engaging members arepreferably made of chains, it will be apparent that they may be made ofany suitable flexible material, such as rubber, or may comprise asuitable form of metallic chain encased in a rubber sheath.

Connected to the upper end of each road-engaging member is a means 20for adjusting the effective length of the harness. This means comprisesa generally triangular coupler or first link 21 and a second link 22.Link 21 consists of a base 23, having a pair of through openings 24 thatare spaced at short distance apart, and sides 25. Formed in link 21intermediate sides 25 and extending upwardly relative to the base is anelongated slot, generally indicated by numeral 26. This slot is formedin part by pairs of oppositely disposed teats 27 and 28 which definerelatively narrow or restricted slot portions 30 and 31, respectively,that are preferably equal in width and in length. Slot portion 3t)communicates with slot portions 32 and 33 while slot portion 31communicates with slot portions 33 and 34. Slot portions 32, 33 and 34are enlarged as compared to restricted slot portions 30 and 31, and arepreferably the same in configuration and size.

Link 22 is generally oval shaped in side configuration, as best shown inFigures 2 and 3. This link comprises merging front and top parts 35 and36, respectively, that are preferably circular in cross-section andequal in crosssectional area. The diameter of these parts is slightlyless than the width of narrow slot portions 30 and 31 and, consequently,less than the width of enlarged slot portions 32-35, whereby link part35 may pass through any selected portion of slot 26. Link 22 alsocomprises a generally triangular rear part 37 (Figure 1) that mergeswith top part 36 and with a bottom part 38 that in turn merges withfront part 35. Bottom part 38 is wider than restricted slot portions 30and 31, but narrower than enlarged slot portions 32-34.

Link 22 is shown in Figure l with its bottom part 38 registering withenlarged slot portion 33. When the links are in this relative position,teats 28 prevent upward movement of link 22 through restricted slotportion 31. Further, teats 27 prevent downward movement of link 22beyond enlarged slot portion 32. In other words, part 38 of link 22 isretained in enlarged slot portion 33.

A link 39 that engages link 22 constitutes the upper extremity of theharness. Link 39, as will be explained further along herein, serves tocouple one end of the harness to an anchoring member carried by a wheel.

If it is desired to increase the effective length of the harness, link22 is merely manipulated and tilted in a generally counter-clockwisedirection, as viewed in Figure 2, whereby the lower end of front part 35is caused to pass through restricted slot portion 31. With link 22 sotilted, it is moved upwardly relative to link 21 and then tilted in areverse direction to introduce link part 38 into enlarged slot portion34.

In the event that it is desired to decrease the effective length of theharness, link 22 is first tilted, as indicated above, and manipulated towithdraw part 38 from enlarged slot portion 33. Link 22 is then moveddownwardly with respect to link 21 to align part 38 with enlarged slotportion 32. Link 22 is then tilted to bring part 38 into registry withslot portion 32. Thus, it will be observed that the effecitve length ofthe harness may be readily varied without the use of tools. While I haveshown link 22 as being adjustable to any one of three positions withrespect to link 21, this is merely by way of example, it beingunderstood that the range. number and increments of adjustment betweenthese links may be varied as desired by changing the lengths and/ornumber of slot portions 3034 and correspondingly changing parts 35 and38 of link 22.

This invention contemplates a means, generally denoted by numeral 40,for taking up slack in the harness when the harness is mounted on awheel. Means 40 is made up of three inter-connected parts, namely, agenerally triangular coupler or link 41, a connector 42 and alink 43.

Link 41 comprises a base 44 and sides 45. This link is apertured toobtain a pair of slots or openings generally indicated by numerals 46and 47. The end of link 41, opposite base 44, has an opening 48. Slot 46consists of merging portions 50 and 51 while slot 47 consists of similarmerging portions 52 and 53. As is best shown in Figure 1, one lower hooklink 18 extends through slot portion 51, while the other lower hook linkextends through slot portion 53. Link 41 includes a partition orhook-receiving strip 54 that defines a part of each of slots 46 and 47.A portion of partition 54 is offset, as indicated at 55, to obtain anotch 56 (Figures 2 and 3).

Connector 42, best shown in Figure 4, includes a plate 57 having a pairof spaced openings 58 and 59.

Connector 42 also includes an arm 60 that is offset fromv and parallelto plate 57. This arm projects to one side of plate 57 and forms arecess or notch 61 therewith. A portion of arm 60 constitutes one of theside elements of a hook that also includes a web 62 and a second sideelement 63. Arm 60 has a through opening 64.

Referring now to Figure 3, it will be noted that link 41 extends throughopening 58 in plate 57 and is thereby pivotally and tiltably connectedto connector 42. Similarly, link 43 extends through opening 59 wherebyit is pivotally and tiltably connected to connector 42.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the harness of this invention operativelymounted on a wheel, such as an automobile wheel W, which includes a rimR and a tire T. Rim R is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-sectionand comprises a web 65 and spaced flanges 66. Tire T consists of aninflatable inner tube 67 and a casing 68 that engage the rim in theusual manner.

The harness is adapted to be detachably secured to the wheel through themedium of a pair of preferably identical anchoring members 70 that willnow be described. Each anchoring member comprises a body 71 having alongitudinal arcuate through slot 72 adapted to receive a portion of acorresponding flange 66. The opposite surfaces of body 71 that defineslot 72 are so formed as to effect frictional holding engagement withcorresponding surfaces of a rim flange when each anchoring member islocated with respect to its flange, as shown n Figures 7 and 8. Integralwith body 71 is an upstanding arm 73 that has an enlarged head 74 whichprevents accidental disengagement of the corresponding harness end linkfrom the member.

For the purpose of briefly describing the manner in which the harness ismounted on the wheel, it is first assumed that means 20 has beenadjusted to the position shown in Figure 1, so that the harness is ofproper effective length for use with the wheel. It is also assumed thatend links 39 and 43 have been slipped over heads 74 of correspondinganchoring members 70 and that the parts are in the relative positionshown in Figure 8. With the parts so arranged there is considerableslack in the harness. The apparatus of this invention permits readyadjustment of the length of the harness to take up the major portion ofthe slack and prevent disengagement of either end link from itsanchoring member. Th s adjustment is effected through the medium ofslack ad usting means 40 and is attained by swinging connector 42 aboutits pivotal connections with links 41 and 43, in a clockwise direction,as viewed in Figure 8, and manually introducing the connector hook inslot 46 of link 41. The connector is next shifted to one side so thatarm 60 bears against a side of partition 54. The connector is thenreleased and the weight of the roadengaging members causes the hook toengage the partition, web 62 of the hook registering with notch 56 ofthe partition (Figure 3). The parts will then have assumed the relativeposition shown in Figure 7.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a modified form of means for adjustingthe effective length of the harness. This means comprises a link 22,earlier described, and a link 75 that may be employed in lieu of link21. Link 75 is preferably made of cylindrical rod stock. bent into theillustrated shape, whereby to obtain a base 23' and sides 25'. Portionsof the rod that form the base are welded together. as indicated at 76.Each end of the rod is joined to a corresponding side 25' by welds 77.The primed numerals appearing in Figure 10 designate a plurality ofopenings. a slot and slot portions correspondmg to those identified bythe same but unprimcd numerals in Figure 1.

Referring next to Figures 12 and 13. l have illustrated therein a link78 that may be used in place of link 41 of the first describedembodiment of the invention. Link 78 may be made of cylindrical rodstock, bent into the illustrated shape and welded, as indicated at 79and 80, to obtain a base 44, sides 45', slots 46 and 47, opening 48, anda partition 54 corresponding respectively to base 44, sides 45, slots 46and 47, opening 48 and partition 54 of link 41.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation, andadvantages of my present invention will be readily comprehended bypersons skilled in the art. It is to be clearly understood, however,that various changes in the apparatus set forth above may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention, it being intendedthat all matter contained in the description or shown in the drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In means for adjusting the effective length of a chain or the like, afirst link and a second link, said first link defining an elongated slothaving alternate portions of enlarged and restricted width, said secondlink comprising a first part movable through enlarged and restrictedportions of the slot, a second part merging with and projecting to oneside of the first part, the width of the second part being less thanthat of any enlarged portion of the slot and greater than that of anyrestricted portion of the slot, and a third part constituting acontinuation of the second part and disposed opposite and in spacedrelation to the first part, the Width of said third part at its juncturewith the second part being greater than that of any enlarged portion ofthe slot.

2. In means for adjusting the effective length of a chain or the like, afirst link and a second link, said first link comprising a base havingat least one through opening formed therein for reception of an end of achain or the like and a pair of sides, said first link having anupwardly extending longitudinal slot formed therein intermediate thesides, alternate portions of the slot being of enlarged and restrictedwidth, said second link comprising a first part movable through enlargedand restricted portions of the slot, a second part merging with andprojecting to one side of the first part, the width of the second partbeing less than that of any enlarged portion of the slot and greaterthan that of any restricted portion of the slot, and a third partconstituting a continuation of the second part and disposed opposite andin spaced relation to the first part, the width of said third part atits juncture with the second part being greater than that of anyenlarged portion of the slot.

3. In means for adjusting the efiective length of a chain or the like, afirst link and a second link, said first link being continuous andcomprising a base having at least one through opening formed therein forreception of an end of a chain or the like and a pair of sides, saidfirst link having an upwardly extending longitudinal slot formed thereinintermediate the sides, alternate portions of the slot being of enlargedand restricted width, said second link comprising a first part freelymovable through enlarged and restricted portions of the slot, a secondpart that is a continuation of the first part and is of suchconfiguration as to permit of its registration with any selectedenlarged portion of the slot and prevent its registration with anyrestricted portion of the slot when the links are so disposed relativeto each other that the plane of the second link is generally normal tothe plane of the first link and along the longitudinal center line ofthe slot, and a third part that constitutes a continuation of the secondpart and is disposed opposite and in spaced relation to the first part,the Width of said third part at its juncture With the second part beinggreater than that of any enlarged portion of the slot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS447,587 Smith Mar. 3, 1891 1,709,244 Abbe Apr. 16, 1929 1,930,790 DickOct. 17, 1933 1,969,602 Funk Aug. 7, 1934 1,995,758 Stokke et al. Mar.26, 1935 1,997,724 Franklin Apr. 16, 1935 1,999,714 Bambenek Apr. 30,1935 2,069,978 Stahl Feb. 9, 1937 2,545,061 Weber Mar. 13, 1951

